Salary: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: OOS
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description This role exists to turn a bold statewide vision into coordinated, daily action.
As Assistant Director, Operations & Engagement, you'll be the organizational backbone that makes this work possible.
You'll report to the Senior Director and lead three interconnected functions - team operations and workflow, strategic communications, and project management - that together keep a complex, multi-stakeholder effort running with clarity and purpose.
You'll work at the intersection of government, community, philanthropy, and people with lived experience. That means regular engagement with the Governor's Office, the Legislature, tribal agencies, and community partners - coordinating councils and workgroups, driving alignment across agencies, and making sure strategy doesn't just live in documents.
The biggest opportunity in front of you on day one: building consistent, reliable communication operations for the team.
If you're energized by creating order from complexity - and you understand how government moves - this role will suit you well.
Some of What You'll Do- Design and maintain workflow and project management systems (CRM, SharePoint, Teams, ) that keep the Alliance coordinated and moving
- Lead the Alliance's communications strategy - including brand, messaging, web, digital media, and public-facing content
- Manage end-to-end project lifecycles across policy, operations, and partnership work
- Coordinate agendas, facilitation, and follow-through for the Alliance's councils and workgroups, including LEWPRO and the Alliance Advisory and Executive Councils
- Translate complex cross-agency work into clear, shared understanding and aligned action
- Support strategic planning, policy proposals, budget requests, and legislative packages
- Analyze and communicate how policy decisions affect Washingtonians with low incomes
Who Should ApplyYou're a strong fit if you bring a combination of operational rigor and communication instincts - someone who can build systems and tell a compelling story.
Specifically, we're looking for:
- A bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, business administration, communications, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field - or a comparable combination of education and experience
- At least five years of experience across operations, public policy, project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, or facilitation
- At least three years of experience in strategic communications, including digital media, content management, and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva)
- Hands-on experience with automated workflow tools, CRMs, and online facilitation platforms (e.g., Miro, Teams)
- Working knowledge of anti-poverty policy and programs in Washington State and the U.S.
- A demonstrated track record managing complex, high-stakes projects with diverse teams
- Experience embedding equity and inclusion principles into core work
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex information accessible
Preferred but not required: a master's degree, experience working with executive and legislative leadership across sectors, and familiarity with Results-Based Accountability or similar frameworks.
This role is a good fit for someone who's comfortable with ambiguity, learns fast, and knows how to navigate the pace and culture of government work.
How to ApplySubmit your:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three professional references
Questions? Email recruiter Kris George or call the main Talent Acquisition line at (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 04543.
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental InformationPrior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Updated 01-07-2026
